There is something wrong with this day and age and I blame social media

There’s something deeply troubling about the way things are in this day and age, and social media is a big reason why. It’s changed how we act, think, and connect with each other, often in ways that hurt more than help. While it can be a tool for sharing ideas and staying in touch, it’s also created a world where people feel pressured to live for likes, views, and trends, losing sight of what really matters. Let’s look at some of the problems it’s causing in simple terms. First, social media makes people compare themselves to others all the time. You scroll through posts and see perfect lives—fancy vacations, flawless bodies, or happy families. This can make you feel like your own life isn’t good enough. The truth is, most of those posts are staged or edited, but they still make people feel insecure or jealous. Instead of enjoying what they have, many chase a fake version of success they see online, which steals their happiness. Another issue is how social media pushes people to overshare. Some post every detail of their lives—personal struggles, family secrets, or private moments—just to get attention. They might share things like fights with their partner, their kids’ embarrassing moments, or even health problems for the whole world to see. This not only breaks trust with loved ones but also invites strangers to judge or comment on things that should stay private. Once it’s online, it’s out there forever, and people don’t always think about the consequences. Then there’s the problem of recording people without their consent. Social media has made it common for people to whip out their phones and film strangers, whether it’s someone having a bad day, making a mistake, or just living their life. These videos get posted for laughs or clout, often humiliating the person being recorded. It’s become so normal that people forget how it feels to be exposed without permission. This lack of respect for others’ privacy is a growing issue, and social media platforms thrive on these kinds of posts. Another trend is dressing to “fit your energy” without thinking about the occasion or place. Social media promotes bold, attention-grabbing styles, which can be great for self-expression. But some take it too far, wearing outfits that don’t suit the setting—like showing up to a workplace or formal event in something meant to shock or stand out. This can come off as disrespectful or out of touch, but people do it because they see it trending online. Social media makes them prioritize “vibes” over appropriateness, which can create tension in real-world situations. Rudeness is another problem that’s gotten worse because of social media. Being mean or sarcastic online is often seen as “cool” or “savage,” and some people mimic this in real life. They say hurtful things or act inconsiderate because it’s trending, without caring about how it affects others. Social media rewards sharp comebacks and drama, so people feel encouraged to be rude instead of kind. This creates a culture where empathy is ignored, and hurting others’ feelings becomes just another way to get attention. Misinformation is a huge issue too. Social media spreads false stories, rumors, or half-truths faster than ever. People share posts without checking if they’re true, and this can cause panic, confusion, or even harm. For example, fake health advice or conspiracy theories can mislead people into making bad choices. It’s hard to know what to trust when everyone’s shouting their opinions online, and social media doesn’t always make it easy to sort fact from fiction. Then there’s the addiction to screens. People spend hours scrolling, liking, and commenting, often ignoring the real world around them. Families sit together but stare at their phones instead of talking. Friends go out but focus on taking selfies for their feeds. This constant need to be online pulls people away from meaningful moments and makes them feel disconnected, even when they’re surrounded by others. Social media also fuels anger and division. People argue over politics, beliefs, or even small things, and the anonymity of the internet makes them bolder. They say things online they’d never say face-to-face, which leads to fights and grudges. Instead of bringing us together, social media often splits us into groups that don’t understand each other, making the world feel more hostile. Lastly, there’s the pressure to be “on” all the time. Social media makes people feel like they need to perform—to look perfect, say something clever, or keep up with every trend. This can be exhausting, leaving people feeling like they’re never enough. It also pushes some to chase fame or followers at any cost, even if it means compromising their values or mental health. In short, social media has created a world where people prioritize attention over authenticity, trends over respect, and likes over real connections. It’s made us overshare, invade others’ privacy, act rudely, and chase fleeting validation instead of building meaningful lives. While it’s not all bad, we need to step back and use it more thoughtfully. By setting boundaries, being kinder, and focusing on what’s real, we can fix some of these problems and make this day and age a little less broken. design a cover for this

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